EPA cited Olson Wire, which manufactures steel wire shelving and fabricated wire products, for violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal law governing the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. RCRA is designed to protect public health and the environment, and avoid costly cleanups, by requiring the safe, environmentally sound storage and disposal of hazardous waste.

Following an inspection by on May 25, 2011 EPA cited the company for violations of federally authorized state regulations involving hazardous waste stored at the facility, including wastewater treatment sludge from the electroplating operations, spent lead anode rods from plating processes and used aerosol cans containing an enamel-based product that is sprayed onto metal parts in preparation for powder coating.

The alleged violations included the failure to make required hazardous waste determinations, storage of hazardous waste for periods greater than 90 days without a permit, failure to properly label and keep containers of hazardous waste closed during storage, offering hazardous waste for off-site transport and disposal without preparing approved manifest forms and through parties not authorized to transport or receive hazardous waste, failure to maintain training records of personnel having hazardous waste management responsibilities and failing to prepare and submit a biennial report concerning hazardous waste activities at the facility in calendar year 2009.

The settlement penalty reflects the company's compliance efforts, and its cooperation with EPA in the resolution of this matter.As part of the settlement, Olsen Wire has neither admitted nor denied liability for the alleged violations, but has certified its compliance with applicable RCRA requirements. For more information about hazardous waste and RCRA, visit http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/index.htm.